A sunset at Waikiki Beach can still feel very natural despite the area’s development if you know where to look.
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The other day, I walked through Waikiki at just the right moment.
The sun was low on the horizon, the clouds were puffy, and the land was illuminated by a soft, golden light. Standing under a massive banyan tree, I could hear hundreds of birds chattering in the branches above. I looked out at the surfers enjoying the last waves of the day; the sky was full of colors, pink, blue, purple, orange, and red. Behind me, Diamond Head Crater glowed high above, its slopes green. It was absolutely beautiful.
It’s been a while since I felt that way. Normally, I am sprinting through Waikiki running errands for my guests or nodding my head in agreement as friends and colleagues complain about the area’s traffic, congestion, and development. Some suggest that its natural beauty has been lost entirely.
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But on this calm evening, I knew there was more to the story. Sure, Waikiki is busy and congested, but there are still parts of it, and moments therein, that reflect the beauty, tranquility, and local vibes that initially made it famous. You just have to know where to go.
A Long History Of Beauty
It may be hard to believe now, but Waikiki was once a royal retreat, and also an agricultural area, during the days of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Even after the U.S. takeover and tourists from America started coming to the islands, Waikiki was a pretty chill place. It was mostly small cottages—the first hotel, the Moana Hotel, opened in 1901. The second, the Royal Hawaiian, didn’t open until 1929.
There’s a small, free museum on the second floor of the Moana Hotel, and I visit from time to time with my guests to show them what Waikiki used to look like. Browsing the old photos, we talk about what it might have been like to walk the shores here in the early 20th century, what it would have felt like to stay at a small cottage, a couple blocks from the beach, sitting beside a small garden, an unobstructed view of Diamond Head to the east.
Back then, you could probably see it from just about everywhere, and you could probably see the stars overhead at night as well.
A Modern Metropolis
Here in the 2025 version of Waikiki, we can only imagine what a trip would have been like back then.
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Today, though Waikiki is technically a neighborhood of Honolulu, it is essentially a small city on its own, full of high-rise condos and hotels, boasting more than 20,000 rooms for rent.
This photo showcases the two distinct sides of Waikiki. In the foreground, we see the main, very dense area. In the background, to the right of Diamond Head, we see what I refer to as “East Waikiki,” where you’ll find local beach parks, large green spaces, and just three hotels.
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In many cases, you can no longer see the ocean, even if you are just a block away, thanks to the wall of buildings that now lines the coast.
But visitors can discover a completely different side of Waikiki, one where green space, ocean views, and local daily life still dominate.
“East Waikiki”: The Softer Side Of Waikiki
Many visitors walk the beach path that traverses between the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and Kapahulu Drive. This is a popular part of Waikiki because the coast is relatively undeveloped there, and, unlike most of the area, you can actually see the ocean from the sidewalk.
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Though the beach path continues east past Kapahulu Drive, the crowd really begins to thin out in this direction, and here we enter my favorite part of Waikiki, where most of the development gives way to green space or beach parks. The beaches here, including Kaimana and Queens, attract more local people, and they butt up against Queen Kapiolani Park, a massive green space where residents flock for walks, exercise, sports, and picnics.
There are three hotels located in this area, which I will call “East Waikiki”: the Kaimana Beach Hotel (4-star), the Lotus Hotel (4-star), and the Diamond Head Beach Hotel (2-star). While any of these three would achieve the goal of staying in the lesser-visited “East Waikiki” and provide similar access to the surrounding parks, the Kaimana Beach Hotel is the only one with unobstructed views looking west back on the Waikiki skyline, and the only one actually on the beach.
The common area of the Kaimana Beach Hotel features a gallery wall and beach-house feel.
Will McGough/Wake and Wander
Inside The Kaimana Beach Hotel
Stepping into the Kaimana Beach Hotel feels less like entering a resort and more like walking into a breezy, sunlit beach house. The lobby is bright and open to the coast, allowing the ocean air to drift in, and it features a color palette that mirrors the view outside: soft sand tones, pale blues, and warm wood. Additional color and style bursts from the large gallery wall that hangs above the common area. It immediately signals that this is not high-rise Waikiki; rather, this is Waikiki’s slow(er) lane.
One of my favorite parts of the Kaimana Beach Hotel is how seamlessly it connects you to the outdoors. You can walk barefoot from your room directly onto Kaimana Beach, a small crescent of sand that tends to attract local families, outrigger canoe clubs, residents walking their dogs at dawn and dusk, and ocean swimmers heading out for their daily laps. There’s no maze of pool decks or manicured lawns between you and the ocean—just sand.
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Some rooms at the Kaimana Beach Hotel offers views of both the beach and the city skyline.
Kaimana Beach Hotel
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Hau Tree, sits under the shade of its namesake tree and offers front-row views of the beach and ocean. It’s one of the only truly beachside restaurants in Waikiki, and in my opinion, the most scenic. Brunch is popular here—perhaps after a morning swim or surf lesson—but it’s also lovely in the evening, during the sunset.
Upstairs, the rooms reflect the same beach-house simplicity as the lobby. The design leans minimalist but warm, with light wood accents, soft linen textures, rattan details, and local artwork that makes the space feel airy and bright. But what makes the rooms at the Kaimana especially appealing is that they offer three distinct experiences, depending on which direction your windows face.
Rooms facing Kaimana Beach offer a unique, mixed view: the calmer shoreline below you, the changing colors of the ocean throughout the day, and the soft glow of the city lights in the evening. It’s a wonderful feeling to look west and see the skyline of Waikiki, still feeling like you’re part of the action without actually being in it.
Rooms facing Diamond Head feel completely different, with dramatic views of the crater’s steep, green slopes filling the window. These rooms catch the morning light beautifully, and the sight of Diamond Head rising over Kapiolani Park gives the entire space a peaceful, grounded feeling. If you’re someone who prefers nature views to ocean views, or you enjoy waking up with the sun, these rooms are a good choice (also, less expensive).
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A stay at the Kaimana Beach Hotel can feel very natural and local, something that’s hard to find when staying in the main part of Waikiki.
Kaimana Beach Hotel
And then there are the ocean-facing rooms, where the horizon becomes the entire show. These overlook the open water directly, a wide expanse of blue that changes hour by hour as light and wind move across the surface. In the evenings, the sunsets from these rooms are some of the best in Waikiki. Depending on where exactly your room is, you may also be able to see the city skyline to the west.
Each view offers something different—beach, crater, or ocean—but all three give you a sense of what makes this corner of Waikiki special, and a reminder that you’re staying in the part of Waikiki where nature still leads the way.
Give It A Try At A Discount
My bet is that you will feel hesitant to walk back into the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, but it’s there if you feel so inclined, close enough when you want it, but blissfully removed when you don’t.
The best news for travelers: Between now and December 3rd, you can score 30% off a stay in 2026 as part of the on-going Black Friday sale, a generous discount given its location.
Authorities in Hawaii have charged a 36-year-old man with murder in the killings of three people in a remote community known for its eclectic, communal lifestyle.
Jacob Daniel Baker was charged with counts of first- and second-degree murder Saturday, the Hawaii Police Department said in a news release.
Baker remained jailed without bond Sunday and police said his first court appearance was scheduled for Monday. It was not immediately known if Baker had an attorney who could speak for him.
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Charges in the killings came two days after police apprehended Baker following a manhunt on Hawaii’s Big Island, where the three victims were found in the rural Puna community known for its tropical landscape and free-spirited residents.
Robert Shine, 69, was found dead Monday partially submerged in a cement pond, according to police. The second victim, a 79-year-old man, was discovered Tuesday a few hundred feet away. Friends identified him as Chitta Morse.
Police found the third victim, 69-year-old John Carse, late Tuesday at a property 19 miles from where the other two bodies were located.
Police have not given a suspected motive for the killings. Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna has said investigators found no connections among the victims other than that two of them lived near each other.
In addition to the murder charges, Baker also faces counts of burglary, auto theft and criminal damage to property.
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The killings left residents on edge in Puna, a community set amid lush jungle and barren lava fields where people seeking to live off-grid commonly trade work for lodging.
Puna resident Stephen Shaffer said that Baker had worked for his ex-wife, climbing coconut trees on land where she grows fruit, in exchange for a place to live. After several months, Shaffer said, his ex-wife sought a restraining order against Baker, saying she felt threatened by him.
Donald Hyatt, a friend of Shaffer’s ex-wife and of two of the men killed, said Baker left the cabin where he had been living months ago. Hyatt said that Baker recently returned claiming “squatter’s rights” and threatened Shaffer’s ex.
Just days before the killings, two women had requested temporary restraining orders against Baker, saying he had threatened and harassed them, according to court records. A judge denied both applications, saying there was not enough proof of harassment.
Court records showed Baker named in 20 other cases in the past two decades, many of them traffic infractions. In most of those cases, Baker had no attorney and represented himself.
Hawaii is home to a wide range of towns that give older adults relaxing ways to enjoy their retirement years. Across the islands, retirees can find communities with easy access to healthcare and outdoor recreation. Coastal towns like Kailua-Kona and Līhuʻe offer ocean views and nearby medical care. Inland communities such as Waimea and Makawao provide cooler weather and an easier rhythm. Retirees may be drawn to smaller places with a strong community feel, while those wanting more services may prefer regional hubs like Hilo. Together, these Hawaiian towns offer a mix of natural beauty and everyday comforts.
Kailua-Kona
Keauhou Bay, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Kailua-Kona is a coastal town on the Big Island of Hawaii with fewer than 25,000 residents. It continues to attract retirees thanks to its warm weather and ocean access. Areas like Kealakehe and Holualoa are still growing, with new subdivisions adding more housing options for people who want to stay long-term.
Most medical care is provided by the nearby Kona Community Hospital, and clinics throughout the Kona district offer additional services. Some of the main landmarks are Kailua Pier, Huliheʻe Palace, Kamakahonu Beach, and Kona Commons Shopping Center. These spots help residents stay active year-round.
Hilo
Overlooking Hilo, Hawaii.
Hilo is a well-known retirement-friendly community on Hawaii Island, known for being easy to walk around. With about 48,000 residents, according to recent Census data, Hilo is a regional center for healthcare, education, and government services, which helps create long-term stability for residents.
Hilo Benioff Medical Center is the main hospital for East Hawaii and provides most of the area’s healthcare. There are also outpatient and senior care services, such as the nearby Life Care Center of Hilo.
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People in Hilo often spend time at places like Wailoa River State Recreation Area, Hilo Farmers Market, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and Rainbow Falls. These spots are close to neighborhoods like Waiākea and Keaukaha.
Waimea
Rolling green pastureland with white fences near Waimea, Hawaii’s Big Island.
Waimea is a small inland town on Hawaii Island with fewer than 10,000 residents. Because it sits at a higher elevation, the weather is cooler, with daytime temperatures usually between 70 and 80°F and nights that feel much cooler.
Residents have access to healthcare through local clinics and services linked to Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital in Waimea, which provides essential care for the area. The town has strong connections to Parker Ranch, one of the country’s largest ranches, as well as nearby ranchlands. Waimea attracts retirees who want a quieter inland setting, strong community organizations, and fewer people.
Līhuʻe
A couple walks along Kalapaki Beach in Lihue, Kaua’i, Hawai’i.
Līhuʻe serves as Kauai’s administrative and service center and has fewer than 10,000 residents. The town plays a central role in healthcare and government operations across the island. It is just 30 minutes from Hanapepe and offers retirees a small-town feel, with natural scenery all around.
Wilcox Medical Center is the largest hospital on the island and provides care for residents throughout Kauai. Notable landmarks include Kalapaki Beach, Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai Museum, and Kilohana Plantation. Together, these sites support recreation, tourism, and community events across the area.
Kapa’a
Shops in downtown Kapa’a in Hawaii. Image credit bluestork via Shutterstock.com
Kapaʻa sits on the east side of Kauai and has about 11,000 residents. It is easy to get around on foot, with everything you could need close by. The town serves as both a place to live and a hub for businesses in the area.
Residents can access healthcare at local clinics such as The Clinic at Kapaa or at Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe. Some well-known spots in Kapaʻa are Kapaʻa Beach Park, the Sleeping Giant Trail, Coconut Marketplace, and Wailua River State Park. Coconut Marketplace has a Farmer’s Market twice a week, plus live local music. Hula classes and shows are also a local favorite offered at Coconut Marketplace.
Kailua
Overlooking Kailua, Oahu.
Kailua is a residential area on the windward side of Oahu with fewer than 50,000 residents. The town is known for its easy access to beaches and well-established neighborhoods such as Enchanted Lake and Coconut Grove.
Residents have access to healthcare through nearby hospitals in the Honolulu area. Adventist Health Castle, which is located in Kailua, is one of the main options. In addition, Kalapawai Market is a local favorite to grab coffee, ube scones, and other treats.
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Kailua is home to many beaches for swimming and watersports, including Kailua Beach Park. Lanikai Beach is a public beach within a residential neighborhood, with no lifeguards, restrooms, or public parking lot. For walking and biking, Kawainui Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular dog-friendly wildlife sanctuary with a scenic trail.
Haleʻiwa
Aerial view of Haleiwa, Hawaii.
Hale’iwa is known for its slower pace and strong connection to Oahu’s North Shore coastline. This historic North Shore town is said to be the quirkiest and has a population of under 5,000. It maintains a small commercial core while serving nearby rural communities.
Healthcare is available through clinics in Waialua and through The Queen’s Medical Center – Wahiawā in central Oahu.
Notable landmarks in Haleʻiwa include Haleʻiwa Beach Park, a popular spot for fishing and sunset views, and Waimea Bay, known for its large winter surf and summer swimming conditions. The nearby Banzai Pipeline draws surfers from around the world during big-wave season on Oahu’s North Shore. Residents also spend time at Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park, which has picnic areas and shoreline walking paths.
Wahiawa
Waikele Premium Outlets in Honolulu County, near Wahiawa, Hawaii. Image credit ARTYOORAN via Shutterstock.com
Wahiawa is a central Oahu community with a population of roughly 17,000. It sits between the island’s north and south regions, and provides a quieter inland setting while still allowing access to both Oahu’s north and south coasts.
Healthcare in Wahiawa is available through in-town facilities, such as The Queen’s Medical Center – Wahiawā.
Local landmarks include Lake Wilson, where residents fish and kayak, and the Wahiawa Botanical Garden, known for its large tropical trees and walking paths. Nearby Schofield Barracks remains one of the largest military installations in Hawaii and shapes much of the area’s economy. Residents also rely on Whitmore Village for local businesses, neighborhood services, and access to agricultural areas outside town.
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Makawao
The town of Makawao sits on the slope of the Haleakala volcano in Maui.
Makawao is a small town in upcountry Maui with fewer than 10,000 residents. Its higher elevation gives the area cooler temperatures than much of coastal Maui, especially during the evenings.
Makawao maintains a rural atmosphere while still keeping residents close to shopping and healthcare in nearby Kahului and central Maui for routine and specialized care.
Residents enjoy art galleries, and nearby access routes to Haleakalā National Park, which draw both residents and visitors into Maui’s upland landscapes. The community also gathers around Oskie Rice Event Center, which hosts rodeos and local events throughout the year, while Pukalani Country Club provides golf and recreation with views of central Maui.
Pāhoa
Downtown Pahoa, Hawaii. Image credit Chris Allan via Shutterstock
Pāhoa is a small town on Hawaii Island with fewer than 1,000 residents. The community has a slower pace of life and a strong local character shaped by East Hawaii’s volcanic landscape. Residents access healthcare through clinics in nearby Hilo and facilities connected to Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation in East Hawaii.
Local landmarks include Lava Tree State Monument, where lava formations surround walking paths through tropical forest, and the historic downtown which still contains several older storefronts and small local businesses such as Tin Shack Bakery. Nearby Pohoiki Black Sand Beach has become a popular coastal gathering area following recent volcanic activity, while the former Ahalanui Park site (destroyed by the Kīlauea lava flow in 2018) remains an important part of the region’s history and shoreline identity.
Honoka’a
Overlooking Honoka’a, Hawaii.
Honokaʻa is a small plantation-era town on the Big Island of Hawaii. With fewer than 3,000 residents, its historic main street reflects its sugar industry past with preserved storefronts and a compact town center that still serves the surrounding Hamakua Coast communities.
Residents access healthcare through Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital in nearby Waimea, which provides essential services for the region.
Along the main corridor, residents frequent shops such as Tex Drive-In, known for its malasadas, and Cafe Il Mondo, a long-running local café. The nearby Kalōpā State Recreation Area offers forest trails and native vegetation, while the Hamakua Coast provides scenic coastal drives with waterfalls and ocean views. Routes toward Akaka Falls connect the town to one of the island’s most visited natural landmarks.
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Hawaii Retirement Across the Islands
Retirement spots in Hawaii are found across the islands, each with its own pace of life. Towns like Kailua-Kona and Līhuʻe keep residents close to healthcare, services, and coastal scenery, while places such as Waimea, Makawao, and Honokaʻa offer quieter inland settings with strong local character. Others, including Hilo, Kapaʻa, and Haleʻiwa, balance everyday conveniences with beaches, parks, markets, and community gathering places. As people in Hawaii look for more space, fewer crowds, and reliable access to care, these towns show how varied retirement living can be across the state.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A new optical illusion is taking shape in Kalihi.
Commissioned by Kamehameha Schools, the mural will feature plants and trees native to the area. The artwork aims to highlight how forestry can exist within urban areas.
Coincidentally, the new artwork sits adjacent to one of Kalihi’s most famous murals: Wave 01/101.
The artist Kai’ili Kaulukukui plays with depth and shadow, creating an optical illusion on the flat face of a building.
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“The painting style is called ” trompe-l’œil”, it means ‘trick the eye’,” says Kaulukukui. “It’s been around for 2000 years. They have images of trompe-l’œil style murals at Pompeii, so it’s a very old style.”
Kaulukukui said he’s always been intrigued by the art style, though this is his first time painting it.
“They’re both kind of environmental themed murals,” he said. “This is bringing an image of what a forest could look like in the city. That is like an homage to Pipeline and our beautiful waves that we have here.”
The 55-foot-tall mural is expected to be completed by Sunday, May 31.
After this project, Kaulukukui will start an ocean-themed mural just one street over, bringing a bit more nature into urban Honolulu.
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